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In Space Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: The band's first studio LP in 30 years features the most recent touring lineup of original members Alex Chilton and Jody Stephens with Posies Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Uncut
    80
    A cohesive album that is simultaneously Big Star-ish (but not slavishly so) and Chilton-like (but not depressingly so). [Oct 2005, p.98]
  2. Mojo
    70
    Mercifully, the venerable Big Star franchise emerges pretty much unsullied. [Oct 2005, p.108]
  3. In Space is no #1 Record, but at its brightest, it is Big Star in every way.
  4. A fairly enjoyable album as long as one doesn’t saddle it with expectations of being the next Sister Lovers.
  5. Problem is, In Space isn’t a Big Star album. Or particularly good, for that matter.
  6. Blender
    40
    It sounds as bitter and cynical as most of Chilton's solo stuff since Big Star originally imploded. [Oct 2005, p.134]
  7. Half the 12 tracks are risible throwaway genre and covers. The other half are, at best, extremely mellifluous Big Star tribute band songs.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. MichaelK
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    Like most great albums, this one takes more than one listening to get it. It seems funny how some poeple don't think this sounds like Like most great albums, this one takes more than one listening to get it. It seems funny how some poeple don't think this sounds like Big Star but say how good they think 3rd is, which sounds less like Big Star than In Space. If only every reunited band could sound this good. Expand
  2. JayMan
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    This album is great! Yeah it has a few duds but any Big Star is Super Nova! Jody Stephens really stands out to me in terms of drumming, This album is great! Yeah it has a few duds but any Big Star is Super Nova! Jody Stephens really stands out to me in terms of drumming, singing, and song writing. People will remember this record! Expand
  3. BradfordJ
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    the history of rock in one album: beatles, beach boys, kinks, booker t & the mgs, chuck berry, box tops, big star...they're all hear!
  4. JohnK
    Sep 27, 2005
    7
    At first, I was disappointed reading these online reviews and hesitant about getting the album. I did, and through alot of listening At first, I was disappointed reading these online reviews and hesitant about getting the album. I did, and through alot of listening I've come to this: It's no #1 record. It's DEFINITELY not Third. But this means that Big Star's back; mistakes and all, we've got future releases to look forward to. "Love Revolution" is abominable, but there are real good songs here, and an unsaid promise of more to come. If you understand Chilton's record-the-mistakes ideology and appreciate it, this CD's worth a shot. Not great, but possibly important for future releases. Expand
  5. Peck
    Sep 28, 2005
    7
    About a 6 or 7. Just think, this could have been so much worse. There are some bad songs on here (and the appalling 'Makeover') but About a 6 or 7. Just think, this could have been so much worse. There are some bad songs on here (and the appalling 'Makeover') but the strengths outweigh the weakness. P.S. Love Revolution is the best track. Sincere or not, it's fun as hell. Expand
  6. JayH
    Sep 28, 2005
    7
    #1 Record + Like Flies On Sherbert - Quaaludes = In Space
  7. BrandonS
    Sep 27, 2005
    4
    Alex Chilton is still quite a puzzle. If there's one thing we know about him, it's that he's totally self-destructive in terms Alex Chilton is still quite a puzzle. If there's one thing we know about him, it's that he's totally self-destructive in terms of his career. Now, I of course love those Big Star albums, and High Priest/Black List is an excellent cd, but the rest of Chilton's catalog is iffy at best and just plain bad at worst. The only thing he had left in terms of a good rep was the fact that he is a legend because of his early work. To release an average/sub-average cd under the moniker Big Star is Chilton diminishing his own Big Star legend. So be it. It's just part of his bizarre charm, I suppose. Collapse

See all 13 User Reviews